- Appeal Federal Intervention
- Demand public prosecution of perpetrators
By Ganiyat Mumuni
The families of victims killed in the Owode Onirin massacre and the Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) have appeal Federal Government Intervention .
At a press briefing organized by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), families of the deceased expressed their anguish, accusing the Lagos State government of abandoning them .
Mrs. Morufat Adeoye said the pain is unbearable. Her 40-year-old son, Aderemi Hakeem Adeoye, was one of the traders shot dead during the attack.
“I was shocked when I heard that my son was killed at his workplace. He has a 7-month-old baby and a wife who are now left to suffer. I want justice for my son. The government must not ignore this,” she wept.
Mr Dauda Oshokoya brother to laye Seyi Akinboye noted that his 38 year old brother who was shot during the incident is yet to get justice.
“My late brother went to earn his means of livelihood before he was killed, he has 3 kids and a wife , where do I start from in the situation of this country”
“I went to the CP office the next day after the incident but didn’t meet him. And I was told to come to the state CID panti to meet up with other victims family and police but after waiting for 3 hours no one showed up. All i want is justice for my brother “, he pleaded.
The CHSR President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, who led a tribute to the deceased; Mr. Seyi Akinboye, Mr. Adeoye Taiwo, Mr. Dare Mufutau, Mr. Aderemi Adeoye Hakeem, Mr. Abraham Idowu Temilola, and Mr. Wale Adebayo , said the families have lost faith in the Lagos State government.
“We’ve lost faith in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice because the land grabber constantly boasts of backing from high-ranking officials,”
Omotehinse said the group and victims’ families are demanding for Public disclosure and prosecution of the four police officers involved, with names and ranks released; Immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr. Abiodun Hakeem Ariori for murder, unlawful demolition, and terrorism against traders; Removal of the Lagos State Attorney General, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), for alleged complicity; Adequate compensation and medical support for the families of slain and injured victims; Permanent security deployment to Owode Onirin market to protect traders.
“This massacre is a stain on the conscience of Lagos State. When a government fails to protect its people, it betrays their trust,” Omotehinse declared.
The grieving families warned that justice must not be buried under political influence.
